PRO on the Road…Exploring the WJTA Conference & Expo
The WaterJet Technology Association (WJTA) welcomed more than 1,100 attendees to the 2019 WJTA Conference & Expo, Nov. 11-13 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Pipe Cleaning PRO took to the road to make its debut appearance at the event.
One would think that going to New Orleans would mean warm weather — even in November — but that wasn’t the case this time around. Even with the colder than normal temperatures it didn’t stop us, and our fellow attendees, from checking out the incredible outside live demonstrations held on Nov. 12. Learning more about the new pump technology, robotics, automation tooling, controls and more in onsite operation was more important than avoiding the unusually brisk weather.
RELATED: PRO on the Road…GapVax Hosts Industry Professionals
It was a great educational experience for our team to learn how we can work with the waterjetting industry. Automation was a consistent message at the event, as was the importance of safety and accuracy.
The event kicked off with the pre-conference Waterjet Technology Basics & Beyond Short Course on Nov. 11. The short course offered a daylong overview of waterjet applications with strong participation and expert speakers.
The Conference & Expo opened on Nov. 12, with an expanded exhibit hall, and attendees had the opportunity to connect with leading manufacturers, suppliers and contractors from around the world.
Educational boot camp sessions and technical conference papers were held throughout the day on Nov. 12 and 13. A new educational series specifically designed for asset owners was introduced in 2019, and offered plant safety and operations leaders the chance to learn about safety, productivity and trends in industrial cleaning.
RELATED: WJTA Newsletter – WJTA Conference & Expo Welcomes Record Crowd from Around the World
A new panel discussion covered collaboration between OEMs, contractors and asset owners. As the industry continues to evolve, close communication between these three stakeholders is critical to achieving safe, economic and productive cleaning outcomes.
When the live demos concluded, attendees returned to the exhibit hall for the Industry Appreciation Reception sponsored by SPIR STAR.
An Awards Presentation kicked-off the reception with recognition given to the High Pressure Safety Committee for work reviewing the WJTA waterjetting best practices manual and to Doug McGee, StoneAge Inc., for contributions to the WJTA hydroblasting operator certification program. The WJTA Safety Award was presented to Kerry Siggins, StoneAge, Inc. A posthumous Pioneer Award was present to Michael Pao, Ph.D., Flow Companies. Finally, the WJTA Pioneer Award was presented to Gary Noto, HydroChemPSC.
RELATED: Welcome to Pipe Cleaning PRO
If you missed the 2019 event, be sure to mark Nov. 10-11 on your calendar for the 2020 WJTA Expo in New Orleans. We’ll be there for sure.
